NEWS THAT the controversial TETRA communication system has been introduced to Scotland’s fire services has brought a furious response from a local politician.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell insists campaign groups have been left feeling “badly let-down” by the development and accused the Scottish Executive of being “reckless.”

He claimed potential health risks associated with the system have not been properly explored and insists there could be “serious implications.”

Mr Ruskell is co-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on electro-magnetic radiation and health.

He said, “This move by the Executive is at best reckless, at worst disastrous.

“There are still significant concerns over the health implications of TETRA, and the wisdom of relying on one system for all ‘blue light’ communications is questionable.

“Campaign groups have sprung up across the country to voice their concerns about TETRA.

“They will feel badly let-down by this Executive.”

Mr Ruskell continued, “This is a clear example of Scottish ministers falling in line with Downing Street’s choice for England—despite the risks associated with TETRA and the possibility of opting for an alternative system.”

Mr Ruskell was the first MSP to raise concerns about TETRA in parliament, in a members’ debate in September 2003.

He has since helped various campaign groups to lodge submissions with the Holyrood petitions committee.

“There remain serious health concerns about TETRA radio systems, due to the pulsing effects of the transmissions,” Mr Ruskell insisted.

“While it is accepted that TETRA radio handsets pulse, the operators and Government do not admit to pulsing from the base stations.

“Independent monitors, however, have measured the output from base stations and have shown a clear pulsing at around 16 Hz, a frequency known to be psycho-active.

“That means it causes interference to brain activity.”

Mr Ruskell believes a moratorium should be placed on the development and introduction of TETRA.